Last ditch drop at goal doesn't do it..............

A confident Keighley landed at West Vale having defeated Old Brodleians in the closing minutes the previous week to place themselves 4th in the league. Heath were hoping to improve on their performance at Beverley. However, the team was changed with wingman Alfie Blackhall a late withdrawal providing Tom Cockroft with his debut. Jack Sheldrake was also missing so Lewis Barrett started in the centre alongside Ezra Hinchliffe. On the bench were Tobias Hinchliffe, Ryan Hunter and Alex McFadden. Heath made a promising start as the sides tested each other out but first blood went to Keighley when a penalty was converted: 0 – 3 on 5 mins. This was followed by another penalty shortly afterwards: 0 – 6. This did not deter Heath and with a much improved defence they worked their way back into the game. Hinchliffe was kicking well for position and from a lineout on the Keighley 22 metre line Heath’s pressure was rewarded with a penalty on 15 mins: 3 – 6. The visitors were under pressure and kept giving away penalties as Heath began to grow in confidence. On 20 mins another successful penalty from Hinchliffe leveled the scores: 6 – 6. Tom Baxter’s throwing at the lineout was accurate, putting Heath in control with Richard Brown, Olly Cook and Chris Moore making yardage. Then Eddie Cartwright came bursting through from fly-half and Keighley conceded another penalty on 25 mins but this was a missed opportunity for Heath to have taken the lead. Heath continued to put pressure on the Keighley defence but from a lost lineout on their 22m the visitors launched an attack and, much against the run of play, they scored a try in the corner which was converted: 6 – 13 after 30 mins. Heath needed a response and from the re-start Fergus Marsden was on the ball. Heath kept on the attack and were rewarded with a penalty on 33mins. Hinchliffe obliged: 9 – 13. Half time came with Keighley on the attack. It was a welcome relief for Heath after a very energetic, entertaining first half in which both sides generally stood their ground. Heath substituted Cook and Matt Beasty with McFadden and Hunter. The home team kicked off and soon Hinchliffe attempted a dropped goal but the kick went wide. For 10 mins play was even with Heath’s forwards in control and the team playing good rugby. Dom Walsh and Cartwright were linking well with Jordan Bradbrook coming into the line from fullback. Howard Hanks was having a sound game at flanker with Heath on a high and looking for a score. Si Brown put in an excellent kick to find touch in the Keighley 22 with 20 mins remaining. Another penalty came Heath’s way which Hinchliffe converted to narrow the deficit: 12 – 13. Tobias Hinchliffe came on for Cockroft as Keighley came back with a vengeance to gain a penalty shot on 68 mins. The attempt was missed. Cook and Beasty came back on for Moore and Marsden. It was all to play for in the last 10 mins. A superb kick from Ezra Hinchliffe set up a lineout 10m from the Keighley line but the visitors held firm and cleared. There was a frantic end to the game as Heath went in search of the winning score. Marsden returned when Beasty was injured. Heath continued to hammer the Keighley defence but failed to breech it. After Ezra Hinchliffe missed an attempted drop goal the referee blew the final whistle. This was another game for only a losing bonus point when perhaps it should have been a win. Next week could see the breakthrough. We travel in hope!